The University of Washington’s men’s basketball team is set to headline the inaugural Seattle Holiday Classic, a two‑day tournament that will take place at Climate Pledge Arena on December 19. The event marks a rare opportunity for the Huskies to play a marquee non‑conference opponent in a world‑class venue, a showcase that organizers say could prove pivotal for their national résumé.
The Return of a Classic Rivalry
The doubleheader will also feature Seattle University and Washington State, both of whom have been removed from the regular UW schedule, allowing the arena to host a compact slate of high‑stakes matchups that draw fans from across the Pacific Northwest.
This game is notable because it completes a series that began decades ago; the two programs last met in Waco, Texas, where Baylor edged Washington 78‑69. Overall, the Huskies and the Bears have split six encounters, with each claiming three victories, including a narrow 64‑62 win by Baylor in the 1948 NCAA Tournament.
Adding to the storyline, the Huskies are slated to open the Maui Invitational against BYU on November 23, marking their first meeting with the Cougars in 14 years and further testing their mettle against elite competition.
Both squads will field familiar faces from last year’s contest, including UW’s Wesley Yates III and Lathan Sommerville, as well as Baylor’s Caden Powell and Isaac Williams IV, ensuring continuity and heightened anticipation.
Coaches Danny Sprinkle and Scott Drew will guide their respective teams, bringing veteran insight to a matchup that promises to be as competitive as it is historic.